Safariland 35 Baton Holder for Expandable Batons 35-F16-9 Review

The Story of My Time with the Safariland 35 Baton Holder for Expandable Batons 35-F16-9

The Safariland 35 Baton Holder for Expandable Batons 35-F16-9 might seem like a simple piece of kit, but in the world of law enforcement and security, reliable gear can make all the difference. Safariland is a well-known name in the industry, synonymous with quality and durability, and their Model 35 baton holder is designed to be a crucial part of any officer’s duty belt. It promises quick access, secure retention, and the ability to re-holster an expanded baton – a feature I was particularly interested in.

I’ve seen too many officers fumble with inferior baton holders, struggling to deploy or stow their batons in high-stress situations. That’s why I was on the hunt for a holder that offered both speed and security, and the Safariland name kept popping up. When I saw that the Model 35 was designed to be part of the Safariland 6004/6005 Tactical System, I knew I had to check it out.

The Safariland 35 Baton Holder arrived in a simple plastic bag. My initial impression was that it was lighter than I expected. The “Hi Gloss” finish, while aesthetically pleasing, made me slightly concerned about potential glare or reflection in certain lighting conditions.

I considered a couple of other options before settling on the Safariland. I looked at some open-top nylon baton holders, which prioritized speed but lacked the retention I needed for more dynamic situations. I also considered some molded baton holders from lesser-known brands, but ultimately, I trusted Safariland‘s reputation for quality and their proven track record.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The build quality seemed solid, and the ability to re-holster an open baton was a major plus. I was eager to see how it performed in real-world scenarios.

Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 35 Baton Holder for Expandable Batons 35-F16-9 to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Safariland 35 Baton Holder during a training exercise focused on crowd control. The scenario involved simulated protesters and required quick baton deployment and re-holstering. The high-stress environment immediately highlighted the importance of a well-designed holder.

The holder performed adequately in dry conditions, allowing for relatively smooth baton deployment. However, I found that the ‘Hi Gloss’ finish occasionally caused a slight stickiness, especially when my gloves were damp from sweat. There was a bit of a learning curve in consistently drawing the baton smoothly and without snagging.

After the initial drills, I noticed that the tension adjustment screw required some tweaking to achieve the perfect balance of retention and accessibility. I was initially surprised that there was no audible “click” or positive feedback when the baton was fully seated in the holder, leading to some uncertainty.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Safariland 35 Baton Holder proved to be reasonably durable. There were no signs of cracking or deformation in the molded plastic. However, the ‘Hi Gloss’ finish did show some minor scratches and scuffs from rubbing against other gear on my duty belt.

Maintaining the holder was straightforward. I simply wiped it down with a damp cloth after each use to remove any dirt or debris. I occasionally applied a small amount of silicone lubricant to the interior to ensure smooth baton deployment.

Compared to some of the cheaper baton holders I’ve used in the past, the Safariland Model 35 definitely offered a more secure and professional feel. It was an improvement, but I still felt there was room for refinement, especially in the smoothness of the draw and the feedback upon re-holstering.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 35 Baton Holder for Expandable Batons 35-F16-9

Specifications

The Safariland 35 Baton Holder is designed for expandable batons, specifically accommodating 16″, 21″, or 26″ sizes. Its main feature is the ability to re-holster an extended baton, which is crucial in dynamic situations where time is of the essence. It’s part of the Safariland 6004/6005 Tactical System, allowing for seamless integration with other Safariland duty gear.

The specific model I tested, 35-F16-9, is designed for a 16″ baton. It features a “Hi Gloss” black finish and is categorized as a duty/tactical holster. This finish, while visually appealing to some, can be prone to scratching and may create unwanted glare.

The ability to re-holster an expanded baton is paramount for officer safety and efficiency. It frees up the officer’s hands to perform other tasks while maintaining immediate access to the baton if needed. The integration with the Safariland 6004/6005 system ensures compatibility with other essential duty gear, creating a streamlined and functional setup.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 35 Baton Holder performs its primary job of securely holding an expandable baton. It provides adequate retention to prevent accidental deployment while allowing for relatively quick access. The re-holstering function is particularly useful.

While the baton holder functions as intended, there are a few areas that could be improved. The draw isn’t always as smooth as I’d like, and the ‘Hi Gloss’ finish contributes to this. Also, the lack of positive feedback when re-holstering can sometimes leave me wondering if the baton is fully secured.

Overall, the Safariland 35 Baton Holder meets expectations for a basic duty baton holder. However, it doesn’t necessarily exceed them. With a few minor adjustments, it could be significantly improved.

Design & Ergonomics

The Safariland 35 Baton Holder is constructed from durable molded plastic. The weight is relatively light, which is a plus for reducing strain on the duty belt. The design is simple and functional, prioritizing ease of use and accessibility.

The holder is generally user-friendly, although achieving the perfect tension requires some experimentation. There’s a slight learning curve involved in mastering the draw stroke for consistent and reliable deployment. Once properly adjusted, it’s fairly comfortable to wear for extended periods.

The build quality is decent, but the ‘Hi Gloss’ finish feels somewhat cheap and is prone to scratching. A matte or textured finish would likely be more practical and durable. The ergonomic design is adequate, but it could benefit from some refinements to improve the smoothness of the draw and re-holstering actions.

Durability & Maintenance

The Safariland 35 Baton Holder is made from a fairly robust molded plastic. Based on my experience, it should last for several years with proper care. However, the ‘Hi Gloss’ finish is susceptible to scratches and scuffs.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth and lubrication of the interior. There are no complex mechanisms or parts that require specialized maintenance or repair. Overall, it’s a relatively low-maintenance piece of gear.

The longevity of the holder will depend on the frequency and intensity of use. For officers in high-activity environments, some wear and tear is inevitable. However, the underlying construction appears to be solid, and it should withstand the rigors of daily duty.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 35 Baton Holder itself doesn’t come with any accessories. Its primary customization option is tension adjustment via a small screw. As part of the Safariland 6004/6005 Tactical System, it’s designed to be compatible with other Safariland duty gear, such as holsters, magazine pouches, and radio carriers.

While there aren’t many third-party accessories specifically designed for the Safariland 35 Baton Holder, its compatibility with the Safariland system allows for a wide range of customization options for the overall duty belt setup. This modularity is a significant advantage for officers who want to create a personalized and efficient gear configuration. One could consider adding a Safariland quick-release system to easily detach the holder from the belt.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 35 Baton Holder for Expandable Batons 35-F16-9

Who Should Buy Safariland 35 Baton Holder for Expandable Batons 35-F16-9?

The Safariland 35 Baton Holder is perfect for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and anyone who carries an expandable baton as part of their professional duty gear. It’s particularly well-suited for individuals who prioritize the ability to re-holster an extended baton quickly and efficiently. Those who already use the Safariland 6004/6005 Tactical System will find it to be a seamless addition to their existing setup.

Individuals seeking a baton holder with a more discreet or low-profile design, or those who prioritize a completely silent draw, might want to skip this product. Also, if you are on a very tight budget, there might be other options.

A must-have modification would be to replace the ‘Hi Gloss’ finish with a matte spray coating to reduce glare and improve grip.

Conclusion on Safariland 35 Baton Holder for Expandable Batons 35-F16-9

The Safariland 35 Baton Holder for Expandable Batons 35-F16-9 is a functional and reliable piece of duty gear. It provides adequate security and accessibility for expandable batons and has the crucial feature of allowing you to re-holster an expanded baton. While it has some minor drawbacks, such as the scratch-prone ‘Hi Gloss’ finish and the lack of positive re-holstering feedback, its overall performance is satisfactory.

At a price of $45.99, the value proposition is reasonable, but not exceptional. It’s a decent, mid-range option that offers a good balance of features and durability.

I would personally recommend the Safariland 35 Baton Holder to law enforcement officers and security personnel who need a dependable baton holder with the ability to re-holster an expanded baton. However, I would also advise potential buyers to be aware of its limitations and consider alternative options if they have specific preferences regarding finish or draw smoothness. If you need a durable and functional baton holder, the Safariland 35 is a solid choice.